tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914289275126046462018-03-05T09:48:33.006-08:00Get Going ... Sewing!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-33528917814620265142013-12-30T15:00:00.001-08:002013-12-30T15:00:51.948-08:00Lafayette 148 New York 'Irving' Stretch Wool Pants (Regular & Petite)...<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div style='position:relative;'><div style='width:500px;margin:0 auto'><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/lafayette_148_new_york_irving/thing.outbound?.embedder=2255041&amp;.svc=blogger&amp;id=100264370' target='_blank'><img force='1' border='0' height='500' title='Lafayette 148 New York &apos;Irving&apos; Stretch Wool Pants (Regular &amp;amp; Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive) | Nordstrom' src='http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/x/tid/100264370.jpg' alt='Lafayette 148 New York &apos;Irving&apos; Stretch Wool Pants (Regular &amp;amp; Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive) | Nordstrom' width='500'/></a></div></div><br/><small><div style='text-align:center'><div><a href='http://www.polyvore.com/lafayette_148_new_york_irving/thing?.embedder=2255041&amp;.svc=blogger&amp;id=100264370' target='_blank'>Lafayette 148 New York 'Irving' Stretch Wool Pants (Regular &amp; Petite) (Nordstrom Exclusive) | Nordstrom</a> (clipped to <a href='http://www.polyvore.com/' target='_blank'>polyvore.com</a>)</div></div></small></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-65610298038532812402012-05-19T22:55:00.000-07:002012-05-19T22:55:08.885-07:00Aft deck canvas - step 1Dressing a boat is definitely a different thing than dressing a body. Same thing is true when sewing for a boat. The tools are different - no pins. I bought a different sewing machine - a second hand <a href="http://www.sailrite.com/Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine#" target="_blank">Sailrite</a>. I guess the biggest difference is the pattern - there is none!<br /><br />So, while I have some transferable sewing skills from years of garments, I always used patterns when making clothing. The kind of canvas work that I'm doing is pretty much all custom work. For our Bayliner, I have the benefit of an intact frame and the old canvas for reference. The old canvas is in fair shape, but has stretched and shrunk making it unusable for patterning purposes.<br /><br />I'm starting on that portion that covers the top of the ladder going up to the fly bridge. This is the only portion of this project that separates from the rest of the project. The piece that's being replaced has snaps, a zipper and two parallel double keyholes that allow the canvas to wrap around the ladder when it's in place.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaPjeZCVQo0/T7iAeLDNLPI/AAAAAAAAFGI/G0RE9Ihua5I/s1600/IMAG0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZaPjeZCVQo0/T7iAeLDNLPI/AAAAAAAAFGI/G0RE9Ihua5I/s320/IMAG0424.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aft deck fly bridge ladder cover</td></tr></tbody></table>Knowing that the old piece had gotten distorted over time and would no longer snap into place, it was no better as a pattern than the rest of the canvas. Still, it's a small piece and gave me a start on the actual pattern. Using different color Sharpie markers, I traced the old piece, checked the fit and marked up the necessary adjustments in another color.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1HXh_U4CAA/T7iAa3OEEkI/AAAAAAAAFGA/JXgh1AJeOSg/s1600/IMAG0425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x1HXh_U4CAA/T7iAa3OEEkI/AAAAAAAAFGA/JXgh1AJeOSg/s320/IMAG0425.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fly bridge ladder cover pattern</td></tr></tbody></table>On the retired piece, the keyholes were finished with binding. Lots of curves would make that challenging without a binder, so I made a sample. Halfway through, it wasn't looking good.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gM0ZtYejhbU/T7iAVD_V9AI/AAAAAAAAFFw/J5gvT0uMh68/s1600/IMAG0427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gM0ZtYejhbU/T7iAVD_V9AI/AAAAAAAAFFw/J5gvT0uMh68/s320/IMAG0427.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st keyhole sample - lumpy binding</td></tr></tbody></table>I tried facing the opening which was much more successful. Turning the facing to the wrong side was a little challenging, but doable.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DB4LBwEhLEk/T7iANKtVBbI/AAAAAAAAFFo/pzJAzqK3DSE/s1600/IMAG0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DB4LBwEhLEk/T7iANKtVBbI/AAAAAAAAFFo/pzJAzqK3DSE/s320/IMAG0428.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd keyhole sample - faced, turned and top stitched</td></tr></tbody></table>Next step - cut facings, stitch, turn and top stitch them. I'll size the facings so that they also serve to reinforce the snaps. And thinking. Without a pattern to follow, I find myself thinking about how to sequence my steps. It's a bit like a puzzle and I'm having a lot of fun trying to solve it!<br /><br /><b>Get Going ... Biking!</b> Richmond &nbsp;CA isn't well known for innovative educational programs, at least not in my mind. Today's newspaper challenged that thinking in a story about some kids who have been <a href="http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_20655528/richmond-high-technology-students-complete-e-bike-challenge?source=rss" target="_blank">designing an electric bicycle at Richmond High School</a>. If you need a shot of confidence in today's youth, have a look. I think you'll be as impressed as I was!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-55311735118746496342012-05-05T23:01:00.000-07:002012-05-05T23:09:49.032-07:00Time to really get going!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What a whirlwind life can be! I'm a newlywed and have recently moved aboard my husband's Bayliner 3880. We're prepping the house to put it on the market and adapting to our new life together.<br /><br />Life is good. Life is very good!<br /><br />Who knew there was so much to be sewn on a boat? I would have thought curtains, pillows, cushions maybe. On those 3 fronts, the Bayliner is in pretty good shape. The exterior canvas work is where the attention is needed. Not that I know anything about sewing exterior canvas work for <i>anything</i>, this is what I'm working on.<br /><br />There is much to be learned, but this is a lot of fun! With fabric going for about $24.00/yard, I'm scouring the Internet, the Library and the marina to learn everything I can.<br /><br />Here's the starting point:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIfsFPtNdPs/T6MjiytR-iI/AAAAAAAAEkg/MOa5rEZSUqE/s1600/IMAG0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uIfsFPtNdPs/T6MjiytR-iI/AAAAAAAAEkg/MOa5rEZSUqE/s320/IMAG0370.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port side aft deck canvas</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moUKflmjgPA/T6Mji17vh2I/AAAAAAAAEkg/y52QohT0xdo/s1600/IMAG0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moUKflmjgPA/T6Mji17vh2I/AAAAAAAAEkg/y52QohT0xdo/s320/IMAG0376.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid aft deck canvas </td></tr></tbody></table>Today was dedicated to patterning. Since each boat and the owners needs are so unique, there are no patterns and the canvas work is custom work. I was surprised at how physical the work was, but the day went very quickly and I am very happy with the result.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLefGKmEERc/T6YJKxxlk5I/AAAAAAAAEoA/B12_JEABHX4/s1600/IMAG0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zLefGKmEERc/T6YJKxxlk5I/AAAAAAAAEoA/B12_JEABHX4/s320/IMAG0399.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tools of the trade<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMog3eVPorM/T6YJK2Qc9kI/AAAAAAAAEoA/fZZP6Imo4ug/s1600/IMAG0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMog3eVPorM/T6YJK2Qc9kI/AAAAAAAAEoA/fZZP6Imo4ug/s320/IMAG0395.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aft deck patterning</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Next step - remove the pattern, reassemble the pieces as necessary, transfer to fabric. It's quite an adventure - stay tuned to see how it turns out!<br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Get Going ... Organizing!</b> On a Boat! I check out Jeri's Organizing and Decluttering News from time to time. She often has great ideas. A recent post is focused on <a href="http://jdorganizer.blogspot.com/2012/05/small-space-organizing-living-on-boat.html" target="_blank">boat living</a> - couldn't get more perfect! Great reading whether you're downsizing or upsizing!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-76247073334373031552012-03-13T14:05:00.002-07:002012-03-13T14:05:57.975-07:00TAST 2012 - Week 5 - Herringbone StitchI'm in catch-up mode in the <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/journal/2012/1/31/take-a-stitch-tuesday-week-5.html" target="_blank">Take A Stitch Tuesday</a> challenge. There's just a lot going on, but I'm still finding relaxation and great enjoyment in regular hand embroidery.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Week 5 was actually done quite a while ago. I stitched the sample onto a card and it's ready and waiting to be mailed... Catch-up seems to be the theme these days!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkGP2IcDUQw/T1-zO8t9ueI/AAAAAAAAD-g/CDVtBMbta-A/s1600/IMAG0280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FkGP2IcDUQw/T1-zO8t9ueI/AAAAAAAAD-g/CDVtBMbta-A/s400/IMAG0280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b>Get Going ... Couture! </b>&nbsp;<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">On yesterday's BurdaStyle.com blog, <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/couture-du-jour-susan-khaljes-top-5-pattern-picks" target="_blank">Couture Du Jour: Susan Khalje's Top Five Pattern Picks</a>. She picked Dress with Bow in Back (8-2010 #116) as her #1 pick. My wedding dress pattern! How cool!</span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-64888193242878269812012-03-04T22:47:00.001-08:002012-03-04T23:04:50.066-08:00Denim skirt - inspiration and realization<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/315672/Product.aspx?source=63325" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">denim skirt&nbsp;</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- its simple and not too straight - not being a pencil skirt fan, I think the A-line is more comfortable and suits me.</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/denim_skirt_inspiration_pattern/set?.embedder=2255041&amp;.svc=blogger&amp;id=44902153"><img alt="Denim skirt - inspiration and pattern" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44902153/id/XKr3h1aARC6NUfBwfNRLUA/size/y.jpg" title="Denim skirt - inspiration and pattern" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/denim_skirt_inspiration_pattern/set?.embedder=2255041&amp;amp;.svc=blogger&amp;amp;id=44902153">Denim skirt - inspiration and pattern</a> by <a href="http://getgoingsewing.polyvore.com/?.embedder=2255041&amp;amp;.svc=blogger">getgoingsewing</a> featuring a <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/denim_skirt/shop?query=denim+skirt">denim skirt</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent an evening going through my patterns and Burda magazines. I was amazed at how few patterns I found that would &nbsp;get me started on this look. The line drawing is&nbsp;<a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/112010-skirt-with-hem-frills#" target="_blank">style #135</a>&nbsp;from Burda 11-2010. The ruffle will go but I think I'll go ahead and do the side patch pockets as well as the 2 piece front. I'll probably stick with the fly zipper instead of the buttons as shown on the inspiration.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I'm travelling, so I traced the pattern in my hotel room this evening. When I get home, I'll get the muslin going.</span><br /><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b><br /><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Going ... Rumbling!</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Nothing on TV that seemed worth watching tonight other than&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.westsidestory.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">West Side Story</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I've seen it 100 times and was never truly convinced that gang members would fly through the air synchronously or break into song like the Jets do, but it's still a great movie. Tonight I noticed how much&nbsp;</span><a href="http://cheezburger.com/LolSillyJilly/lolz/View/3142593024" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Tony Mordente looks like Matt LeBlanc</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div></div></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-6851164232435990112012-02-29T17:53:00.002-08:002012-05-19T23:33:58.067-07:00Denim skirt capsule<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="height: 600px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving to live aboard a boat means that many of the things I took for granted in my 4 bedroom house have to be rethought. Closet space, a dry environment, an ironing board. The concept of wardrobe planning, never something I spent a lot of time on, becomes increasingly important.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.financialfinesse.com/blog/2011/11/the-wardrobe-capsule-a-smart-way-to-look-fabulous-while-spending-less/" target="_blank">Wardrobe capsules</a> are on my mind, a lot!&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm starting this new lifestyle more than a few pounds lighter and very much appreciating the simplicity that comes with any downsizing. The marina life is more casual which appeals to me, too.&nbsp; A denim skirt is definitely on my list of upcoming projects. And, I've had a Nancy Zieman jacket pattern (<a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5668-products-8663.php?page_id=529" target="_blank">McCall's 5668</a>) in mind for a while.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;"><div style="position: relative;"></div></div><a href="http://getgoingsewing.polyvore.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Polyvore.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;provides a perfect set of tools to play with a capsule plan. And that's where I've laid out my inspiration. The green jacket is from the pattern illustration. Everything else is out there in the world wide mall. The grey will be grey and the white will probably be a color. But, the shapes work well for me. Let's see how they play out!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Get Going ... Doing!</b>&nbsp;How do you tend to the things that must be done? I read&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0142000280" target="_blank">Getting Things Done</a>&nbsp;last Spring and have reread parts of it many times since. I love the approach - it speaks to me.&nbsp;</span></div></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-65016005397301140232012-02-05T20:58:00.000-08:002012-02-05T20:58:24.956-08:00TAST 2012 - Week 4 - Cretan StitchFour weeks and I'm still in the game! It's a 52 week stitch-along and I'm having a blast!<br /><br />At the same time, my husband and I are doing a test-float - spending the month on the boat to see if living aboard is a lifestyle for me (we already know it's for him). The hand stitching is a perfect fit for the boat and we even have a plan for the sewing studio when we take the plunge permanently.<br /><br />In order to keep from accumulating, I've worked my samples into a single piece that became a <a href="http://getgoingsewing.blogspot.com/2012/01/tast-2012-week-3-feather-stitch.html" target="_blank">postcard</a>. This week, the <a href="http://inaminuteago.com/stitchdict/stitch/cretan.html" target="_blank">Cretan stitch</a>&nbsp;sample sort of formed itself. I've always loved how <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%209:16&amp;version=NIV" target="_blank">God created the rainbow</a> as a symbol of his promise to all living creatures. As I worked the stitch, I pulled threads and beads in rainbow colors and here's the result:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnR9W01DpbY/TyzB8XJZkgI/AAAAAAAAD2w/HqG2dxyys_s/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnR9W01DpbY/TyzB8XJZkgI/AAAAAAAAD2w/HqG2dxyys_s/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" width="320" /></a></div><br />I sewed the sample onto a card, wrote a note and it's on its way to my Mom, hoping to brighten her day as she has done mine, so many times!<br /><br /><b>Get Going ... Doing Anything But!</b> The gas lines at Costco were short today. Traffic was light and Home Depot looked like a ghost town. The Super Distraction is to blame, but there are lots of alternatives out there for non-football fans, sewing is just one of them. Read about <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20120205/FEATURES01/202050349/Sitting-out-the-super-bowl-Non-fans-will-replace-the-big-game-with-shopping-sewing-sex" target="_blank">what they do in Detroit</a>&nbsp;and check out that vintage Kenmore sewing machine!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-3053117965119399682012-01-24T16:56:00.000-08:002012-01-24T16:56:47.053-08:00TAST 2012 - Week 3 - Feather StitchDone! I've added the feather stitch to the mini crazy quilt that I've been stitching on, finished the work into a fabric postcard and am ready to move onto the Cretan stitch. And, I'm having a lot of fun!&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-874h60tThxI/Tx9KM76EHVI/AAAAAAAAD2c/Lny2uCKcdrM/s1600/IMAG0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-874h60tThxI/Tx9KM76EHVI/AAAAAAAAD2c/Lny2uCKcdrM/s320/IMAG0269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It's amazing how learning new skills or brushing up on rusty ones has a childlike quality to it. The discovery, the "do-overs", using the imagination - it's all part of the journey. Head on over to <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/community-challenges/2011/12/1/take-a-stitch-tuesday-2012-challenge-information-page.html" target="_blank">Pintangle</a> to see what stitchers all over the world are working on every Tuesday and join in!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Get Going ... Playing!</b> How do you play? Common wisdom says that "play is the work of a child". Bridging work and play, The <a href="http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/" target="_blank">Official Site of the Nobel Prize</a> has lots of games and simulations to help all of us understand the achievements of Nobel Laureates. So, go play and learn a bit about astrophysics, immunology or diabetes at the same time!</div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-71787255454663417362012-01-12T00:02:00.000-08:002012-01-12T00:02:52.135-08:00That's my bobbin!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it will be. I have 6 on the way. I hope they fit. This a long shuttle bobbin, also known as a vibrating shuttle bobbin.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Item image" src="http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/m/mF1nUDj91XBz6-5cueFMbCQ/140.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It's for my Kenmore 117.36 - a very heavy, very old sewing machine that I bought from an "antique store" that was a bit like the "antique store" on Sanford and Son.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1WqazleR3FE?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">It only came with one and I'm going to spend a good chunk of time this long week getting comfortable sewing with it. I bought a box of <a href="http://www.sunbrella.com/on-the-water/" target="_blank">Sunbrella</a> and other canvas remnants. I also bought some 40 gauge vinyl and a video called "Make Your Own Dodger" from <a href="http://www.sailrite.com/" target="_blank">Sailrite</a>. It's time to test the plan. I'm going to try to repair and replace the canvas coverings and vinyl windows on The Boat. Kind of exciting, actually!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'm also going to be doing some research online. <a href="http://marinefabricatormag.com/projects/howto" target="_blank">Marine Fabricator's how-to articles</a> should get me going! Don't you love the Internet?&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b>Get Going ... Slowing!</b> I'm going to <a href="http://www.bemorewithless.com/2011/how-to-enjoy-your-weekend-like-a-minimalist/" target="_blank">take it slow this weekend</a>. I'm not saying I'm going to take it easy, but I want to use the weekend time better. To recharge, refresh and be ready to face the new week anew - not just feeling like the weekend was too short.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-4510309622991945542012-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:002012-01-10T11:21:57.481-08:00TAST 2012 - Week 2 - Buttonhole StitchI can't believe that January 2012 is almost half over! I must either be very busy or having a lot of fun - time sure goes quickly! (Actually, both are true!)<br /><br />It's Week 2 in the <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/journal/category/take-a-stitch-tuesday" target="_blank">Take a Stitch Tuesday 2012 Challenge</a>. This is fun! The Internet is such a great place to find super creative people who are incredibly generous with their time and talents. This is a great example.<br /><br />I've done the fly stitch and have started working the buttonhole stitch - both are shown below. Such a great antidote for the holiday slowdown that is so often part of January. I'm lovin' it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woM__o4MrUo/Twxc0IzuSWI/AAAAAAAADYU/RjnKIdDK8_A/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-woM__o4MrUo/Twxc0IzuSWI/AAAAAAAADYU/RjnKIdDK8_A/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" width="191" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Get Going ... Looking!</b> As 2011 came to a close, news sources around the globe posted their pictoral summary of the year. Take a look at the <a href="http://graphicsweb.wsj.com/documents/YEARINPHOTOS11/Photos-of-the-Year-2011.php#o=2&amp;q=&amp;x=&amp;y=&amp;p=232" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal's Year in Photos</a> and the incredible array of trials and successes we humans have experienced this year.juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-62623070508374175682011-12-28T17:07:00.000-08:002011-12-28T17:26:13.161-08:00Rescued from a haywire buttonhole<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My plan for my recent <a href="http://getgoingsewing.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-girl-sewing-kwik-sew-way.html" target="_blank">Kwik Sew project</a>, absolutely included button holes at the neckline. It made the difference between a t-shirt and a cute top. Since I don't know the girl I was sewing for, and because she's the kind of girl that doesn't get a new outfit very often, I wanted it to be well, more than just a t-shirt.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I practiced and I got one done pretty well, but the second one was a disaster. A huge bird's nest on the inside of the neckline would have been itchy and unsightly. Fortunately, I didn't cut the first one before trying the second one. After carefully <a href="http://getgoingsewing.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-many-tools-does-it-take-to.html" target="_blank">pulling it out</a>, almost one thread at a time, I knew I couldn't try again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plan B. I sewed the buttons on where the buttonholes should have been - and one still is! Then I sewed plastic snaps behind the buttons. Depending on how fast she likes to get dressed, the top might just pullover her head and she may never know the snaps are there!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDSDyfK-2g/Tvu-vgFNKlI/AAAAAAAADU8/hCe8q-7nqUU/s1600/IMAG0218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FaDSDyfK-2g/Tvu-vgFNKlI/AAAAAAAADU8/hCe8q-7nqUU/s320/IMAG0218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fwcukDIt8g/Tvu-pROY1YI/AAAAAAAADU8/KRWzjL7T9Sc/s1600/IMAG0219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fwcukDIt8g/Tvu-pROY1YI/AAAAAAAADU8/KRWzjL7T9Sc/s320/IMAG0219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turned out to be a pretty good save and the outfit is ready to be worn! I'll say a prayer for her when I turn the outfit in. There are so many children who get by with so little. I hope this little girl feels the love sewn in.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s320/IMAG0206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Going ... Economy! </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sewing was, for a very long time, kind of a solitary endeavor. The Internet, blogs, forums and other things cyber have provided some community that was a little harder to find years ago. But technology isn't the only thing driving a </span><a href="http://public.shns.com/content/sewing-gets-boost-economycreative-urges" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">growing sewing sector</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The recession, a desire to "go green" and the need to find a creative outlet are all combining to get sewing going.</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-68087250824741747752011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:002011-12-27T14:48:32.725-08:00How many tools does it take to.... ???<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I approached a recent project - the <a href="http://getgoingsewing.blogspot.com/2011/12/little-girl-sewing-kwik-sew-way.html">Kwik Sew children's outfit</a> - with a little more care than might be guessed.&nbsp;</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s320/IMAG0206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn't a difficult project, but the top was sewn in a stretch terry knit and I'd followed the directions for a Front Placket and Faced Neckline. It's instructions like these that make the pattern book such a treasure. Step-by-step instructions to create unlimited variations on very simple styles.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXvRorIz0c/TvTctFwn05I/AAAAAAAADUA/iOZvx5l_kew/s1600/IMAG0208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMXvRorIz0c/TvTctFwn05I/AAAAAAAADUA/iOZvx5l_kew/s320/IMAG0208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good. The instructions are excellent and I took great care to make a sample before I started the buttonholes. Once I was ready to do the real buttonholes (3 of them), I started with the one in the middle and waited to cut it until I'd done the one at the neckline. Good thing.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between the neckline and the placket edge, the buttonholer lost it's mind and I had a massive bird's nest. So, the question. How many tools does it take to rip out a buttonhole? A buttonhole made with white thread on white stretch terry?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEw66IieUU/TvTc6xwAbhI/AAAAAAAADUI/ga87d4U6xf4/s1600/IMAG0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XqEw66IieUU/TvTc6xwAbhI/AAAAAAAADUI/ga87d4U6xf4/s320/IMAG0204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5, evidently:</span></div><div><ol><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">scissors</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Colonial-Needle-Sixth-Finger-Stiletto/dp/B000IDK9O6">stiletto</a> (amazing tool)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">snippers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tweezers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seam ripper</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each one,&nbsp;indispensable&nbsp;and kept within arm's reach of my sewing machine. Just goes to show you that a good set of tools is critical - each one played it's own special role. And the top was saved - more on the recovery in a couple of days.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sew... what tools do you keep in arm's reach?&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Get Going ... Smiling! </b>The Royals of the United Kingdom are a little bit of a mystery to this American, but they have always held a certain charm for me. Representatives of a life more civilized, perhaps. News of Prince Philip's recent health scare certainly hit our airwaves and I was happy to hear that he'd been able to return home to Her Majesty so quickly and with a<a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/12/27/smiling-prince-philip-reunited-with-queen-for-late-family-christmas-after-heart-surgery/" target="_blank"> big smile</a> on his face.&nbsp;</span></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-60770136831980675432011-12-23T13:07:00.000-08:002011-12-23T13:29:51.538-08:00Little Girl Sewing, the Kwik Sew Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several years ago, I bought several Kwik Sew books, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Sewing-Children-Kerstin-Martensson/dp/0913212172/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1324673681&amp;sr=8-6" target="_blank">Sewing For Children</a>. I think it's entirely possible to outfit your kids with these books alone - not other patterns needed. There's flexibility and so much inspiration packed inside this book. I wanted to sew for a little girl and I got my inspiration from this picture in the book:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKQbklx81J4/TvTY_FEGuyI/AAAAAAAADPk/CZ9axoPQ7cE/s1600/IMAG0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKQbklx81J4/TvTY_FEGuyI/AAAAAAAADPk/CZ9axoPQ7cE/s320/IMAG0211.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still need to get the buttons sewn on and I had a terrible fit with the buttonholes, but other than that, the outfit is complete. I don't know who will be the recipient of this little top and skirt, but I hope she enjoys it and feels the love and joy of the Christmas Spirit when she receives it. I know I did as I was making it.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s1600/IMAG0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XHKd4sVw8/TvTclu4wOEI/AAAAAAAADPk/oLpz63QbSz8/s320/IMAG0206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, isn't that what Christmas is all about?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas blessings and peace to all.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Get Going ... Decorating:</b>&nbsp;Never ones to let a holiday or important anniversary go by without comment, <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a> is decked out for the season again this year. Be sure to click around to see the animation and hear the music. You can also check out the <a href="http://www.google.com/doodles/search?query=christmas+doodles" target="_blank">Christmas Google Doodles</a> from years gone by.</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-41604825870672922472011-12-16T14:22:00.001-08:002011-12-28T17:13:37.884-08:00Already? My 2nd FNSI!<a href="http://www.handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; color: #7d181e; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Handmade by Heidi"><img alt="Handmade by Heidi" border="0" src="http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac15/hmichaelle/FNSIButton.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seems like I just participated in my first Friday Night Sew-in and now, I'm signed up for another one! Sponsored by&nbsp;</span><a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heidi</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;and her cousin&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bobbi</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">, my first FNSI was successful - it helped me get my DD's Dorothy costume ready in time.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So, I'm signed up for the second one to be held in December. I think they are typically once a month, but double up in December because the average quilter/sewist/crafter has such a long to-do list this time of year. I'm no exception to that rule!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Tonight, I'm going to work on the header for the master berth. That's boat-speak for &nbsp; the headboard on the bed in the boat's master bedroom.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Hoping to get "after" pics posted to the</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/fnsi/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Flick</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/fnsi/" style="background-color: white; color: #7d181e; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">r</a>&nbsp;board tomorrow, they'll be fun to compare to the "before":</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZrkt2bWUVk/TuvKthQ25RI/AAAAAAAADKM/YjUqBeKHRN8/s1600/IMAG0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZrkt2bWUVk/TuvKthQ25RI/AAAAAAAADKM/YjUqBeKHRN8/s320/IMAG0127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have a "before" photo of the berth header installed, but these pics give an idea of the sections and the colors that I'm replacing.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZn1EodDFCc/TuvBCpCpPyI/AAAAAAAADI0/5g640BJkEqU/s1600/IMAG0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZn1EodDFCc/TuvBCpCpPyI/AAAAAAAADI0/5g640BJkEqU/s320/IMAG0125.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Most of the project is fabric cutting and stapling in place, but I'm sewing the finishing touches, so I think it counts for a FNSI. Whether it counts or not doesn't matter so much to me. I'll just be happy to have it done! The plan:&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><input checked="yes" type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Plan ahead – plan's in place.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><input checked="yes" type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Cut fabrics ahead of time. Done!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><input checked="yes" type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Use plastic bins or boxes to separate your projects. Done!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><input checked="yes" type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Quick dinner - pick-up during after work Costco run!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><input checked="yes" type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Bribes.. No need for bribes - DH wants these headers done as much as I do!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><input type="checkbox" />&nbsp;Work? Come home, get comfy and … Get Going Sewing!</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>UPDATE 12/23/2011: </b>A couple of quick "after" shots... A huge improvement and a very satisfying project, indeed!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LCx9jxtA7o/TuvBxA6ifmI/AAAAAAAADJs/7I3fzr8tXGc/s1600/IMAG0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0LCx9jxtA7o/TuvBxA6ifmI/AAAAAAAADJs/7I3fzr8tXGc/s320/IMAG0131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Get Going ... Surfing? </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The Beach Boys brought the sport of surfing into every American teenager's home during the 60's - no matter how far they lived from the sea. Their music is still played on radio stations and their sound evokes a feeling of a simpler time. They <a href="http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/beach-boys-announce-reunion-tour-complete-with-brian-wilson/" target="_blank">announced today that they'll be touring</a>! Whether you remember or you're among a new generation</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> of fans -&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #474747; line-height: 23px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1955602530">Everybody's learning how, c</a></span></span><span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 23px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grj7sjQ0_p4&amp;feature=fvwrel" target="_blank">ome on and safari with me...</a>!</span>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-67481071540966590482011-12-13T17:11:00.000-08:002012-01-10T11:24:25.695-08:00My first FNSI!Well, I participated in my first Friday Night Sew-In, spon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">sored&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">hosted by&nbsp;</span><a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d52a33; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heidi</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">&nbsp;and her cousin&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #d52a33; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bobbi</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">. I didn't get as much done as I'd hoped, and I didn't get photos posted to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/fnsi/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, but I got off the sofa and I sewed!</span></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Dinner was quickly made and served on paper plates. We were on the boat, so I can take a picture of the sewing space all set-up and ready to go - all in a single shot!</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3VtSSXqths/TwyQUqkSziI/AAAAAAAADYs/cy3G-AvXm50/s1600/IMAG0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b3VtSSXqths/TwyQUqkSziI/AAAAAAAADYs/cy3G-AvXm50/s320/IMAG0179.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">I worked on Simplicity 4136, a collection of Wizard of Oz costumes. My DD needed a Dorothy dress for a holiday office party. She had a blouse already, so the request was</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">&nbsp;just for the apron.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Pu4XNDQJQ/TuQgPglf3dI/AAAAAAAADG8/vYeqq6H_siA/s1600/IMAG0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81Pu4XNDQJQ/TuQgPglf3dI/AAAAAAAADG8/vYeqq6H_siA/s320/IMAG0167.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got the bodice done and the skirt - here's a progress shot:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sURWf-DjtU/TuQgXugxomI/AAAAAAAADGo/D4X6m-SdXSE/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sURWf-DjtU/TuQgXugxomI/AAAAAAAADGo/D4X6m-SdXSE/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sURWf-DjtU/TuQgXugxomI/AAAAAAAADGo/D4X6m-SdXSE/s1600/IMAG0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sURWf-DjtU/TuQgXugxomI/AAAAAAAADGo/D4X6m-SdXSE/s320/IMAG0169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday, she came home and we worked on it together - she used my serger for the first time! Tomorrow is the party, so I should have a picture of the completed costume.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Get Going ... Voting!</b>&nbsp;You knew there'd be an app for that! Both <a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=com.brennasoft.election2012" target="_blank">Android</a> and <a href="http://techwhack.com/york-times-launches-election-2012-mobile-app-apple-iphone-543/" target="_blank">iPhone</a> users can select an app to help inform them and track results from the 2012 Presidential election here in the US. Like they can't get enough information without going mobile! Ah well, I guess it's a sign of the times. Don't look for me in the download statistics - I'm already on overload!</div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-32671459360143123522011-12-07T21:39:00.001-08:002011-12-08T12:04:20.618-08:00A stitch in timeOn a vintage machine, that is. I've never had much interest in vintage machines until recently. I'm setting up to work on my DH's boat canvas and everything I've read said that an all metal, gear-driven machine is what I need.<br /><br />So, to CraigsList I went and in a single day, I found two machines, for sale by two different sellers. Both mounted in cabinets. Both really, really cool looking. Both appeared to work and both were right priced for me - $25 a piece. I visited both sellers and DH was cheerful and willing to go get both of them. He didn't even question why I'd buy two machines. He's a very good husband!<br /><br />That was several weeks ago and I've been on a mechanical journey trying to get these machines to do what I want them to. It's very, very easy to fall in love with sewing machines that are my age or older (much!). I've put one of them aside for a bit because I got stuck. The Kenmore 158.54 will get my attention later - this machine has great potential, particularly for buttonholes. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vm3MOzX4l7c/Ttqz9QU6jdI/AAAAAAAACWs/4YilJVaxlnk/s400/IMAG0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vm3MOzX4l7c/Ttqz9QU6jdI/AAAAAAAACWs/4YilJVaxlnk/s400/IMAG0150.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenmore 158.54</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This beauty does everything I want it to, but I can't change the stitch length. It uses cams to make zigzag and other decorative stitches and weighs about 1,000 pounds. It's belt-driven, though, so once I discovered the stitch length problem, I decided the other machine was worth working on for a while. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ1SKmVfYMM/Tt_4ohL_d8I/AAAAAAAADEo/ZkIJY8VHukc/s1600/IMAG0161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ1SKmVfYMM/Tt_4ohL_d8I/AAAAAAAADEo/ZkIJY8VHukc/s400/IMAG0161.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenmore 117.36</td></tr></tbody></table>This machine weighs almost as much as the other one and is completely gear driven. It's a long shuttle model - with a bobbin like I've never seen.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><center><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: center; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfzH3wQgP24/TqOZcO4h-aI/AAAAAAAAByQ/6QArnytu75g/s1600/IMAG0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BfzH3wQgP24/TqOZcO4h-aI/AAAAAAAAByQ/6QArnytu75g/s200/IMAG0082.jpg" width="200" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ua19Ie1HCLE/Tt_4g0_1llI/AAAAAAAADEg/Cf3PmAUnmws/s1600/IMAG0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ua19Ie1HCLE/Tt_4g0_1llI/AAAAAAAADEg/Cf3PmAUnmws/s200/IMAG0162.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long shuttle bobbin</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bobbin winder</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's cleaned and oiled and sounds like it will run well. Next up - thread it and see how it stitches!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It might be a good thing that I wasn't drawn to these machines earlier. There are so many of them out there with many, many groups of loyal followers. Who knows how many I might have acquired had I known how much fun they can be?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Get Going ... Giving! </b>This is the time of year that many want to give to others, to share, spread the joy of the Christmas season and to try to make someone's lift a little brighter. <a href="http://www.charitynavigator.org/" target="_blank">Charity Navigator</a> is a great resource when you're trying to figure how a charitable organization might use your donation. Search by location, charity name or by the need they serve. There's a lot of good going on out there - go get inspired!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></center></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-87086312829024657632011-12-05T13:17:00.001-08:002011-12-28T17:13:37.896-08:00Friday Night Sew-InWell. In addition to the sparkly attraction of a new project, I love to join in the fun. I may be slow to join in, waddling around in the dark for a bit longer than others, but once awareness has set in - I'm there!<br /><br />This week, I'll participate in my first Friday Night Sew-In (FNSI), hosted by <a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heidi</a>&nbsp;and her cousin <a href="http://www.craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bobbi</a>.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Handmade by Heidi"><img alt="Handmade by Heidi" border="0" src="http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac15/hmichaelle/FNSIButton.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>I never lack for things to do in my sewing room and that's never more true than during this time of year. Heidi offers some advice for a <a href="http://handmadebyheidi.blogspot.com/2011/11/tips-for-successful-fnsi.html" target="_blank">successful FNSI</a> that will help me decide how I'll dedicate the time. Her advice, paraphrased for my life will be my action plan for the remainder of the week: <br /><blockquote><input type="checkbox" /> Plan ahead – have a plan in place.<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" /> Cut fabrics ahead of time. <br /><br /><input type="checkbox" checked="yes" /> Use plastic bins or boxes to separate your projects. This I already do!<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" /> Dinner - make a quick meal use paper plates for easy clean up, give DH a kiss, then ... get busy.<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" checked="yes" /> Bribes.. No need for bribes - DH is super supportive and has enough stuff on my "honey-do" list that he won't resist. He wouldn't anyway!<br /><br /><input type="checkbox" /> Work? Come home, get comfy and … Get Going Sewing!</blockquote>This is going to be fun!<br /><br /><b>Get Going ... Screaming? </b>Seems like, in addition to having many, many things to do, this time of year also tends to bring us into more frequent contact with the tantrum. Like most things, this behavior has fallen under the scrutiny of science. Can you imagine hoping your workday has some good tantrums in it? (If that's your reality, I sincerely sympathize!) If you'd like to know more about <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/12/05/143062378/whats-behind-a-temper-tantrum-scientists-deconstruct-the-screams" target="_blank">how to interpret the tantrum</a> - here's a piece for you!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-47136692530137779552011-12-03T15:57:00.001-08:002011-12-04T18:16:05.384-08:00Get going stitchin'!Nothing gets me going like something new. There's some valuable insight there... Helps explain why I often have trouble finishing projects. I'm working on that, but I'm honest to say that a new project always holds a delightful threat of distraction for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tp30YwWm8k8/TtqzkxTka0I/AAAAAAAACWk/kPdeuO8m9cE/s800/TASTlogo250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tp30YwWm8k8/TtqzkxTka0I/AAAAAAAACWk/kPdeuO8m9cE/s800/TASTlogo250.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><br />That said, I'm looking forward to 2012 with a new project in mind. Actually, it's a challenge more than a project. In any case, it will definitely test my ability to stick with something. The risk of public humiliation aside, I've signed up for <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/community-challenges/2011/12/1/take-a-stitch-tuesday-2012-challenge-information-page.html" target="_blank">Take A Stitch Tuesday (TAST) with Sharon Boggon</a>. Sharon is one of the most creative, talented and generous people I've met in the web or any where else. <br /><br />Trust me, the best way to get to know her is to grab a cuppa (Sharon's expression) and peruse her website, Pintangle (<a href="http://www.pintangle.com/">www.Pintangle.com</a>). You might not find her interests to match yours, but you can't help but admire her work. <br /><br />Anyway, TAST is a year long exercise in embroidery, learning and sharing and I'm psyched! Please visit often to see how I'm doing and to pick up the hoop again, if I get distracted. Join me, encourage me or just follow along as Sharon inspires me to new heights with a needle! <br /><br />Related links:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/profile/JuliaPerhac" target="_blank">My stitchin fingers page</a> - a Ning community for people interes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">ted in&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">for people interested in textiles and fibre arts such as hand embroidery, quilts, stitching and related hand crafts.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">Sharon's <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/community-challenges/2011/12/1/take-a-stitch-tuesday-2012-challenge-information-page.html" target="_blank">Pintangle TAST 2011 page</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/56846286@N00/" target="_blank">flickr TAST page</a></span></li></ul><br /><b>Get Going ... Cooking!</b> Dinner on the boat tonight. A little meatloaf, a little portobello and Swiss cheese dip and <a href="http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/bostonmarket_creamed_spinach.html">the best creamed spinach</a> ever! Super simple to make, delicious and perfect for low-carb appetites! Yum!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-73185818704880771762011-09-13T07:01:00.000-07:002011-09-13T07:12:05.449-07:00Vogue 8090 - Perfecting the PantsWell-fitting pants are the holy grail, in my mind. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_n_0?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Apants%2Cn%3A%211000%2Cn%3A48%2Cn%3A5126&amp;bbn=48&amp;keywords=pants&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1315920309&amp;rnid=48">Amazon.com</a> lists 145 book titles (7 for the Kindle!) in the Crafts &amp; Hobbies section and while some of those titles are for knitting and crochet, most of them are about making pants that fit and look good. I own at least 5 of these titles; I have zero pairs of pants that fit*.<br /><br />I can get by with store bought jeans, it's very rare for me to find slacks or trousers that I'm both willing to spend the money for and that I feel comfortable and attractive wearing. I'm not alone - even Oprah.com has dedicated space to <a href="http://www.oprah.com/style/Find-the-Best-Pants-and-Trousers-to-Fit-Your-Body-Type">well-fitting pants</a>!<br /><br />Vogue 8090:<br /><blockquote>Unlined top and jacket have high waist, lapped lower back, front button closing and top stitching. Sleeveless and long sleeve views. Pants have side zipper. Above ankle and floor length views.</blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8UoSkTAu9Q/Tm9dHtlpLeI/AAAAAAAABps/QEsoscZCqlY/s1600/V8090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8UoSkTAu9Q/Tm9dHtlpLeI/AAAAAAAABps/QEsoscZCqlY/s320/V8090.jpg" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 8090</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;I love this style. Several people have reviewed it on <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/search.pl?&amp;search=1&amp;patternid=12560&amp;CompanyID=51&amp;PatternNumber=8090">PatternReview.com</a>, though they've all focused on the top/jacket. That's what drew my attention, too, but pants come first!<br /><br />This narrow leg and simple design will be perfect for, well ... perfecting fit! No pockets, a side zipper and a sewn-on waistband should give me the design I need to wear with knit tops and the foundation incorporate other design details once I have the fit refined.<br /><br /><b>Get Going ... Organized! </b>&nbsp;How is it that the world's problems seem to go unresolved, day after day, month after month, year after year? Could it be that we're all just in need of some organization! I don't know, but I know that my purse seems to be the Home of Chaos - always! Got the same problem - see what to do "<a href="http://www.blogher.com/getting-organized-when-your-purse-weighs-more-your-body?wrap=blogher-topics/style/fashion&amp;crumb=21445">When Your Purse Weighs More Than Your Body</a>"!<br /><div><br /></div><div>It's all in the balance!</div><div><br /></div>*weight loss, too tall, flat butt, not-so flat belly!juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-691428927512604646.post-3195437127439050902011-09-03T13:54:00.000-07:002011-09-03T13:55:42.982-07:00Rowenta First ClassIn 1982, President Ronald Reagan declared September to be "National Sewing Month" in recognition to the importance of home sewing to the United States. What a perfect time to hone your skills, jump start your projects and check out some new tools.<br /><br />My sewing happens all over the place! My DH made me a wonderful new sewing room in our house - complete with a real cutting table, a laminate floor and a fresh coat of paint! I sew with friends at American Sewing Guild Neighborhood Group and Chapter meetings. And, I sew on the boat that my husband sailed into my life aboard! He turned over one of the state rooms to me so I could sew throughout the week since we split our time between the house and the boat.<br /><br />Rather than drag supplies around with me, there are a few things that I need in to have in duplicate, like shears, pin cushions, etc. There are other things that are just too bulky for the boat, even with dedicated space. I use a gravity feed steam iron at home - just not practical for the boat. The Rowenta First Class travel iron is perfect!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10dEFAy5pFA/TmJ3qCAhkRI/AAAAAAAABnQ/GBvDaEKNnCM/s1600/IMAG0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-10dEFAy5pFA/TmJ3qCAhkRI/AAAAAAAABnQ/GBvDaEKNnCM/s400/IMAG0039.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowenta First Class Travel Iron</td></tr></tbody></table>I bought mine at Bed, Bath &amp; Beyond, but they are sold everywhere. For less than $40 (closer to $30 with one of those BB&amp;B coupons), it has a reasonably-sized water tank, shoots a fair amount of steam and operates on 120 or 240 v. It even comes with a storage pouch that easily holds the iron and the cord.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ly6IiKSUMuk/TmJ3AieKVFI/AAAAAAAABnE/IoFZOsgVHCM/s1600/IMAG0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ly6IiKSUMuk/TmJ3AieKVFI/AAAAAAAABnE/IoFZOsgVHCM/s200/IMAG0042.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />For sewing on the go, it's perfect! And since sewing on the go must happen if I'm to keep my sewing going, it's perfect for me!<br /><br /><b>Get Going ... Watching!</b>&nbsp; There are an amazing number of sources to find sewing related videos. Threads Magazine has their "<a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/teach-yourself-to-sew">Teach Yourself to Sew</a>" series which covers a broad range of topics. Simplicity's <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/t-sewing-videos.aspx">website</a> does, too. Both are free. There are tons of sewing videos on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sewing&amp;aq=f">YouTube</a>, offered by individuals, professionals and manufacturers. You'll find amazing skills and a wealth of information shared so generously - testimony to something Ronald Reagan seemed to know. Spend a minute watching or making your own! I didn't have these resources when I was learning, so I'm going to make sure to set aside some time this month to do a little catching up!<br /><br /><br />juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12476194576586764214noreply@blogger.com1